Atlas Theatre Company CIC

08/01/2026

Schools are back! 🎭

We’re thrilled to be returning to our drama clubs next week! If you haven’t already signed up, please pop into your school office to secure your place for the term.
We have two incredibly exciting terms ahead. The children will be working on our 2026 company project, Willow’s on the Wear - inspired by The Wind in the Willows and set along the beautiful banks of the River Wear.

This project celebrates local stories and landscapes, including memories from members of our local community! Different versions being performed by local schools and the Atlas community group. It also brings together a range of other groups, including students from the University of Sunderland, the SAFC Heaven Branch, Andy J Fraser and the Tunstallachia Upland Boys.

We can’t wait to see the children step into the paws and footprints of the legendary Mr Toad, the formidable Badger, and all the wonderful characters they’ll meet along the way.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at hello@atlastheatrecompany.com.

‘Willow’s on the Wear’ has been gracious supported by The Hays Travel Foundation, The Barbour Foundation, June Rose Project and The Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust! With a special shout out to Monkwearmouth Academy, SAFC Heaven Branch and Andy J Fraser, the NE BIC and Theatre Space NE

05/01/2026

We’re very grateful to share some lovely news to kick start the New Year!

Atlas Theatre Company CIC has been recognised at the Northern Enterprise Awards 2025 by SME News, receiving:

🏆 Theatre in Education Leaders of the Year 2025
🏆 Community Impact Excellence Award 2025

We feel incredibly thankful for this recognition. Our work has always been about supporting young people and communities through theatre, and it’s encouraging to know that this approach is making a positive difference.

These awards really belong to everyone we work with! Our dedicated team, our partners and educators, and the schools and communities who trust us to be part of their journeys. We’re constantly learning from the people we meet, and they shape everything we do.

Thank you to SME News for acknowledging our work, and to everyone who continues to support Atlas Theatre Company CIC. We look forward to continuing this work with care, creativity, and purpose. 🎭

24/12/2025

Thank you Atlas Theatre Company CIC for our lovely gift, we love the beautiful messages from the children. Merry Christmas to you all 🩷💙🎅🏻🎄

17/12/2025

A few weeks ago our Artistic Director Holly James (Kneller) Joined other creative professionals Sarah Simpson, JD Stewart and Rachel Snape at the University of Sunderland to discuss their careers and working in the arts as part of the Creative Arts Industry Panel!

Holly said "It was fantastic to be in the room with the next generation of creatives as well as a lovely opportunity to catch up with the other creatives on the panel! It is always a pleasure to champion and discuss the creative sector here in the city of sunderland and across the region"

Performing Arts University of Sunderland University of Sunderland
Live Theatre Newcastle Theatre Space NE CIC Tyne Theatre & Opera House

It was also lovely to chat about our up and coming project Willow’s on the Wear! And highlight some of the amazing groups and organisations supporting and working in the project! Performed at Monkwearmouth Academy
Supported by Hays Travel Foundation Barbour Chloe & Liam Together Forever Trust June Rose Project
Including local primary schools and our wonderful Community Company!

16/12/2025

Merry Christmas to all of our Afterschool Club children! Just a reminder that there are no clubs on this week!

Have an amazing holiday! See you all in the New Year!

11/12/2025

Today's the day! The sixth of these beasties and a small chance to give a little bit back to groups and people who do so much for their communities. VCAS would like to record its thanks to this year's sponsors. Northern Powergrid Foundation Groundwork NE & Cumbria Lambton Street Youth and Community Hub 4Louis Sunderland Culture Sunderland All Together Consortium CIO Just Let Your Soul Grow

10/12/2025

🎭 Exciting Announcement! 🎭

We’re thrilled to share that in June, Atlas Theatre Company CIC will be bringing our original community production of Willows on the Wear, to the incredible theatre space at Monkwearmouth Academy! 🌊✨

Monkwearmouth Academy’s stunning new performance venue is fast becoming a creative heartbeat in the city, previously hosting performances such as the tour of ‘The Bench’ It is becoming place where education, community, and the arts come together and we’re so proud to get to be part of that growing story.

Willows on the Wear is a reimagining of the beloved tale of The Wind in the Willows along the River Wear. The project celebrates local stories, landscapes, and voices by blending community creativity with educational engagement. Supported by the Hays Travel Foundation and the June Rose Project with The Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust sponsoring some children’s places it brings together local schools, families, and community performers to create a shared production that connects generations through storytelling.

The project will see performances from both the community company and locals schools through June and July showcasing Sunderland’s talent, strengthening community bonds, and highlighting the power of collaboration between education and the arts. Bringing it to life in this beautiful, state-of-the-art space at Monkwearmouth Academy on the mouth of the River Wear couldn’t feel more perfect.

We can’t wait to fill the stage with the energy, talent, and spirit that makes our city shine. 💫

A huge thank you to Monkwearmouth Academy for championing community arts and opening their doors to projects like ours!
Stay tuned for tickets and behind-the-scenes glimpses as we build towards Willows on the Wear this June! 🌿


Voluntary & Community Action Sunderland (VCAS)

07/12/2025

Support Creativity this Christmas!

Your donation will help bring free arts to children in our local primary schools, support community theatre and help bring people together through the power of the arts!

Be a part of our journey!

Support our local community by funding free workshops and events for helping combat the financial barriers into the creative arts.

03/12/2025

Thank you to for inviting us to your wonderful Christmas lunch! It was a pleasure to celebrate the festivities with the staff, guests and of course wonderful children!

02/12/2025

01/12/2025

So many laughs at tonight’s Christmas Rehearsal!! Thanks for bringing the fun everyone!